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NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

Oct. 12,  2026

The Weekly Scroll of Things to Know.

 

Small Actions, Big Campus Impact

October is Campus Sustainability Month

Our school colors may be red and black, but Huskies believe in being green. 

NIU is committed to being carbon neutral by 2050 and we’re taking significant steps to make it happen. Our Sustainability and Climate Action Plan outlines the many efforts currently underway and lays out future plans that will continue making us an eco-friendly campus and environmentally conscious citizens.  

Learn more about Campus Sustainability →
Campus Sustainability
 

Spring Class Registration Opens Nov. 2, 2026. 

Start preparing now to get the classes you need. 

Now is the time to start preparing to register for spring 2027 classes. Read the tips below and learn when to register and how to register for classes. 

If you have not met with your advisor, do so. They are here to help you.

Academic Advising
  • It’s important to stay on track to graduation and your advisor is here to help ensure you are heading in the right direction. 
  • Remote advising is available. Options for remote advising could include virtual video conferences, phone calls, NIU emails or IM chats. Schedule an advising appointment through Navigate Student by clicking Appointments and selecting the "Advising" service, or contact your academic advising office to learn more about your options. 
  • Come prepared to your meeting with any concerns that you have. Your advisor can help answer your questions and point you to available resources. 
 

It's Time to File Your 2027-28 FAFSA. 

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the 2027-28 school year is now available. You should file a new FAFSA every year to determine your eligibility for most types of financial aid, and filing early gives you more time to sort out any questions. Learn more at go.niu.edu/finaid.

Internship and Job Fair
 

Weekly Special at HSC Retail Dining Locations to Begin Oct. 13

Huskies, leave your lunch at home and enjoy weekly specials at Qdoba and the Grill at Huskie Den. Specials include:

  • Taco Tuesday (Qdoba)
    $1.50 Tacos with choice of protein (limit 3 per guest).
  • Wing Wednesday (Grill at Huskie Den)
    Boneless wings with Huskie chips for $5 (limit 1 per guest).
  • Burger Friday (Grill at Huskie Den)
    50% off burgers with Huskie chips (limit 1 per guest).

Please note: Specials are in-person only, not available on Grubhub, and open to NIU students and faculty/staff only.

 

NATIONAL TRANSFER STUDENT WEEK - OCT. 19-24

Celebrating the Journey: Honoring Our Transfer Students

Your Journey. Your Community. Your Celebration.  

Transfer students bring unique experiences, perspectives, and strengths to our Huskie community! Join us October 19–24 for National Transfer Student Week, featuring opportunities to connect and show your Huskie pride.

Vote for the Transfer Student Drink of the Week! ☕ 

Help us kick off the celebration by voting for the Transfer Student Drink of the Week!  The drink with the most votes will be featured at the Holmes Student Center Starbucks, and transfer students will receive 50% off the winning drink during National Transfer Student Week, while supplies last. 

Cast your vote by Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 11:59 p.m. at go.niu.edu/ntsw-drink-vote 

Beginning Monday, Oct. 19, check your NIU email for your discount coupon and join us for events and activities throughout National Transfer Student Week. 

We’re proud to celebrate NIU transfer students and the many paths that make our Huskie community stronger. 

 

Learn mote about Graduate and Professional Schools During Thursday's Fair.

Are you considering graduate or professional school after completing your undergraduate degree? If so, check out the upcoming Graduate and Professional School Fair hosted by Career Services! This event is on Thursday, Oct. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. virtually on Huskies Get Hired.

The fair is a great opportunity to explore graduate and professional school options, connect with representatives from programs you may be interested in, and learn more about admissions requirements, programs, and the next steps in your educational journey. Even if you’re just beginning to think about graduate or professional school, this is a great chance to explore what’s out there.

Interested in attending? Be sure to RSVP through Huskies Get Hired in advance. You’ll need to RSVP in order to participate in the virtual fair. Check out additional resources for navigating the virtual fair here. 

If you have any questions or need any help RSVP'ing feel free to reach out to the Career Services Office via email at careerservices@niu.edu or by phone at 815-753-1642.

 

Campus Flu Clinic Scheduled for Oct. 20

Help keep our campus community healthy by getting your annual flu shot. Our campus flu clinic is open to employees, students and the community and will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20 in the Holmes Student Center Ballroom. Enter at the east door of the Ballroom.

To book an appointment, complete the client form and print it out to bring with you to your appointment. Visit our Employee Well-being webpage. The form and additional information is available on our 2026 Flu Booking webpage.

Important: Please read all instructions and information provided on the website before you make an appointment.
Bring your completed and printed client form with you to the clinic.

 

Class of 2026: Friendly Reminder Your Cord Is Not Going to Claim Itself

Hey Seniors, We are getting closer to the big celebration. If you want your cord, now is the time to make your Senior Class Gift.

Your support helps future Huskies thrive. Your cord shows you are part of the tradition.

Do not wait until the last minute. We know how you all get.

Make Your Gift Today]

Make your class gift.
 

Upcoming Events

Visit the NIU Calendar to view all upcoming events.

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  • Through Oct. 15: Latino Heritage Month
  • Monday, Oct. 12: Poetic Justice: Indigenous Peoples' Day Edition
  • Monday, Oct. 12: Crafting Connections: Special LHM Edition
  • Monday, Oct. 12: 2027 Orientation Leader Information Session
  • Tuesday, Oct. 13: Taco Tuesday at Qdoba
  • Tuesday, Oct. 13: Women in STEM featuring Christine Nguyen, Ph.D.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 13: PoliSci Pathways: Rep. Robin Kelly's Journey from NIU to Congress
  • Wednesday, Oct. 14: Food Truck Wednesdays
  • Wednesday, Oct. 14: Wing Wednesday at the Grill at Huskie Den
  • Thursday, Oct. 15: Half-Off Burger Friday at the Grill at Huskie Den
  • Thursday, Oct. 15: 2026 Merritt Address: "Democratic Faith as a Philosophy of Education"
  • Thursday, Oct. 15: Artist Lecture: Kevin Cole, NIU MFA '84, 'The Risk Worth Taking"
  • Thursday, Oct. 15: Fall 2026 Graduate and Professional School Fair (Virtual)
  • Thursday, Oct. 15: Concert Choir, Chamber Choir and University Chorus
  • Friday, Oct. 16: FAFSA Fridays!
  • Friday, Oct. 16: 2027 Orientation Leader Information Session
  • Friday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 18: School of Theatre and Dance presents - Emma
  • Monday, Oct. 19: Donut Holes and Transfer Goals
  • Tuesday, Oct. 20: On-campus Flu Clinic
  • Wednesday, Oct. 21: Transfer Student Takeover at Food Truck Wednesday
  • Saturday, Oct. 24: Transfer Student Celebration at NIU Football: Huskies vs. Hawaii
  • Wednesday, Nov. 4: P FKN R: How Bad Bunny Became the Global Voice of Puerto Rican Resistance
  • Friday, Nov. 13: NIU History Department's Meeting of Minds -- Revolution!

Poetic Justice: Indigenous Peoples’ Day Edition

Monday, Oct. 12 from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Sky Room at the Holmes Student Center

Join us for a special Indigenous Peoples' Day edition of Poetic Justice, an immersive experience where music, art, and social change come together. Through the work of Indigenous artists, participants will engage with powerful songs, spoken word performances, and thought-provoking discussions that explore identity, resilience, resistance, and community. Discover how storytelling shapes culture, builds belonging, and serves as a catalyst for understanding and change.

Learn more about the event →
Poetic Justice: Indigenous Peoples' Day Edition
Contact agiffin@niu.edu with questions →

Midwest Special Dinner

Thursday, Oct. 22 from 4 to8 p.m. at Neptune Hall

Come enjoy a Midwest-inspired meal on Oct. 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Neptune Dining Hall. Menu highlights include Tator Tot Casserole, Potato Bar, Cheese Curds, Italian Beef Pizza, Apple Cider Donuts from Jonamac and so much more! That’s not all – we will also be having Midwest activities, photo opportunities, raffles and a couple of special guests! We look forward to seeing you there!

Learn more about the event →
Poetic Justice: Indigenous Peoples' Day Edition
Huskie Athletics' events
Concerts, exhibits and performances
Inclusive Excellence events
Career Services events
 

Tips from Fellow Huskies

Zach Schmidt
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would advise students to get involved with extracurriculars to gain more hands-on, real-world experience and to make friends and join study groups. It helps to get to know people and make connections. Those connections can sometimes lead to future job opportunities.

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Zach Schmidt
Mechatronics engineering major

Michelle Sands
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For those currently attending NIU, I would encourage them to enjoy all the benefits of being a student as long as they possibly can. Being a college student, you have a plethora of resources and perks available to you that don't always last beyond graduation, or at least aren't always as convenient to enjoy. Go to sporting events, join a club that expands your interest and knowledge and helps you make connections with individuals you may not have the chance to engage with again, and utilize the services and supports available to you. You are here for a short period of time — get all you can out of the experience!

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Michelle Sands
Assistant Professor, Department of Special and Early Education

 

Deadlines

  • Sunday, Oct. 25: Last day for undergraduates to drop a second-half-semester course through advisor (Fall 2026)
  • Sunday, Oct. 25: Last day for undergraduates to add or drop a second-half-semester course(s) via self-service in MyNIU (Fall 2026)
 

This message has been approved for distribution by the appropriate NIU party and is distributed by the Division of Enrollment Management, Marketing and Communications. NIU Mass Email Policy.

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